Thousands of Indian professionals and their families are facing prolonged uncertainty after US consulates across India began postponing H-1B and H-4 visa stamping interviews by several months— in many cases pushing appointments into 2026.
The delays follow the rollout of a new mandatory digital-identity and social media screening policy by the US Department of State (DOS).
Effective December 15, 2025, the DOS directed consular officers worldwide to carry out online-presence reviews for:
• H-1B specialty occupation workers
• H-4 dependent family members
This marks the first time employment-based visa categories have been added to a vetting framework that was earlier applied to F, M, and J (student and exchange) visas as part of a broader security-screening modernization effort.
Key Requirements Under the New Policy
Under the expanded screening rules:
• Applicants must ensure all social media accounts used in the past five years are set to “public.”
• Consular officers will examine social media activity, publicly available online content, and digital footprints.
• Any flagged content may lead to additional security checks, extended processing times, or visa refusal.
• US consulates have begun reallocating staff to manage the heavier vetting workload, contributing to interview backlogs.
Impact on Indian Applicants
Immigration attorneys report widespread disruption, especially for long-term H-1B holders and families who travel to India for emergencies or visa renewals.
Madhurima Paturi, principal attorney at the Law Offices of Madhurima B. Paturi in Orlando, Florida, said the consequences have been severe.
“We are seeing significant issues with interview scheduling delays and status complications since the digital-identity screening took effect,” she said.
According to Paturi:
• Several physicians on H-1B visas for over 15 years have had stamping appointments postponed, despite being essential workers in the US healthcare system.
• Emergency processing requests have been submitted to US embassies due to critical shortages of medical professionals.
In one case cited by Paturi, an H-1B worker traveled to India following the sudden death of a parent, only to have their visa interview rescheduled months later.
“They are now stuck outside the US and unable to return. Families with H-4 spouses and young children are under immense distress,” she said, comparing the situation to pandemic-era family separations.
Prudential Visa Revocations Raise Further Alarm
Another emerging concern is the temporary (prudential) revocation of already approved H-1B and H-4 visas.
• Affected individuals receive email notifications from US consulates, often while they are residing in the US.
• These revocations are precautionary, not permanent, and do not automatically indicate ineligibility.
• Lawyers believe the increase in social media and online data checks is a major factor, as consulates reassess cases using newly available information or database flags.
While US authorities say the measures are aimed at strengthening national security and improving vetting standards, immigration experts warn that the sudden expansion—without adequate staffing or transition time—has created bottlenecks affecting essential workers, families, and employers alike.
For now, applicants are being advised to:
• Review and clean up public online profiles
• Monitor official communications closely
• Seek emergency processing where applicable
As consulates adjust to the expanded screening regime, the backlog and uncertainty are expected to persist well into the coming year.
Source: Africa Publicity
